Prominent Belz Hasid, Rabbi Asher Mordechai Hochheiser, Dies at 87

Rabbi Asher Mordechai Hochheiser, a respected elder and significant figure within the Belz Hasidic community in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, passed away in the United States on the eve of Rosh Hashanah at the age of 87. Born in Germany in 1939 to Rabbi Yochanan Hochheiser, a Sanz Hasid originally from Galicia, Rabbi Hochheiser's early life was marked by displacement due to World War II. His family fled Germany due to the expulsion of Polish citizens and eventually settled in England.

Rabbi Hochheiser's connection to the Belz dynasty began in Manchester, England, where he heard a story of miraculous salvation attributed to the blessing of the previous Belzer Rebbe, Rabbi Shalom Mordechai Hakohen Rosenberg. After the war, his family returned to London, where he studied at the Toras Chaim yeshiva under Rabbi Chaim Yitzchak Weingarten and Rabbi Itche Ausenberg, a prominent Belz Hasid who fostered his deep connection to the Belz court.

In 1956, at age 17, Rabbi Hochheiser traveled to the Land of Israel with the strong desire to be near the Belzer Rebbe, Rabbi Aharon Mordechai Rokeach. He studied at the Belz yeshiva in Jerusalem and frequently visited the Rebbe. Following the passing of Rabbi Aharon Mordechai, he remained devoted to the Belz Hasidic movement throughout his life. In his later years, he developed a close relationship with the current Belzer Rebbe, Rabbi Yissachar Dov Rokeach, sometimes serving as his escort.

After marrying, Rabbi Hochheiser resided in Williamsburg, where he was a central figure in the local Belz synagogue, often sharing memories and teachings from earlier generations. He frequently visited Israel to be in the presence of the current Belzer Rebbe. He is survived by his children and grandchildren, many of whom are scholars and community leaders. His funeral will be held in Jerusalem, with his coffin flown from the United States.